Top 10 Moving Tips & Check List

10. Get yourself organized!

Try to leave yourself three months to get all of your business affairs and personal documents in order. Remember you will be relying on other people to process your applications etc. so if it is out of your hands how long it will take.
Begin consular procedures, request information on how to obtain your visa, residency and work permits before you leave. These procedures take time, sometimes many weeks - even months. Begin as soon as possible. Check the documents required for the exportation of your goods from your country of origin and for their importation into the country of destination. Your status may enable you to benefit from certain advantages, such as the obtaining of an " EXEMPTION ". This will avoid you having to pay duties and taxes upon importing your used personal effects.
Consider renewing your passport and those of all accompanying family members. These should be valid, at least, until your next return to your country. Establish international driving licenses. Depending on the country of destination, you might have to obtain a local driving license by going to a local driving school and eventually passing a practical /theoretical driving test. In all cases, keep your actual driving license with you. It may be requested by the local authorities in order for you to avoid having to pass a test.

9. Hire the right moving company

Make sure that you hire a reputable removal company for transporting your belongings to your new home; after all, you are trusting them with all of your possessions. Make sure that the company you use is licensed with the state Department of Transportation and/or Interstate Commerce Commission.

8. Make the move easy on your pet

Relocating with pets is not easy, when traveling in the car you should keep them in a small portable kennel. Never leave your pet alone in the car for extended periods of time and always park out of direct sunlight.
When moving overseas with pets have a look on the Internet for quarantine rules and medical restrictions for the country you are moving to. To travel by air your pet will need to be in good health and be up-to-date with all of its shots and vaccinations - your pet will need to have a rabies shots 30 days prior to traveling. If you are considering tranquilizers for your pet you may want to request some expert medical advice on the risks to your pet.
Remember when relocating with a pet they will be confused, frightened or even become sick. If they have a bed that they regularly use at your old home take it with you so your pet will be more comfortable.

7. Settle your family in

When moving with young children you need to remember that after the excitement of moving wears off they will often feel lost in their new environment, leaving all of their friends and familiar surroundings behind. Try to get them back into activities they may of been involved in before the move so they feel at home - join clubs and get them involved in local activities so they can make new friends.
When looking for a new school, check out the local papers, which often contain information and statistics on the schools in your area. You can also contact the individual schools that you are interested in which will often mail you information packages on what they have to offer. Also take some time to visit the schools with your children so they can adjust to the new atmosphere.

6. Prepare for the change in living standards

A very common problem when relocating is finding that your standard of living changes dramatically. You go from a safe environment of having everything where you need it to a chaotic environment where everything is different. Adjusting to this can be difficult, however you can do certain things to help, such as:
·  If you are moving to a country with another language try to familiarize yourself before hand with a few phrases. This will make the initial stages of fitting in much easier.
·  Learn a few of the local customs; it is easy to offend in a new culture without even realizing you have done it.
·  Work out how much you will need to live on, and budget for it. It is very easy when you move to a new area to overspend and "treat your-self" while you are trying to settle in.
·  Do some research into the local medical issues and make sure you are well protected, see point 1.

5. Change your address

Inform your local authorities (Condominium Association etc.) of your forthcoming departure.
Inform the various organizations of your forthcoming change of address. Transfer your subscriptions or cancel your contracts. Remember to inform your bank or building society of your change of address; after all you don't want all of your personal account details to go to a stranger at your old address.

4. Research the area you are relocating to

Researching the area you are moving to is the single most important thing you will need to do in the time running up to your move. In the ideal situation you will decide where to move based on this research. However most people who are relocating are committed to a specific "catchments area' due to work obligations. To find the area that is best suited to you in the weeks running up to your move gather as much information as you can. Contact organizations such as the local chamber of commerce. You can also find government statistics in most local libraries that will cover issues such as health, education and crime in the area.
You will want to research issues that affect you the most in your chosen area. Give yourself a realistic time frame to gather all of the information you need, you don't want to leave it to the last minute and discover that you are moving your family to an area where crime is sky high.
If you can, try to visit the area that you are moving to in advance as nothing can compensate for actually being there and getting a feel for the area first hand. If you can't visit the area try and talk to someone who lives, or has lived there.

3. Find appropriate accommodation for the "transition period"

When you first arrive at your destination it is possible that you will have to find interim housing while you are waiting to move into your new home. Remember, this will be the time when the stress of the move will be at its peak. For this reason it is important to find somewhere you will be comfortable and is ideally located near to your new home. Finding a serviced apartment for this transition period is the perfect solution as it has all of the comforts of home and includes all of the modern facilities you will need to keep your business affairs up to date.

4. Organize your belongings

You have arrived at your new home and everything has gone according to plan. However it has been one of the most exhausting days of your life, all you want to do now is relax in front of the TV with a glass of wine. This is when you realize you have made the ultimate mistake; all of your possessions and randomly boxed up items are in a heap in the living room. In order to find the bottle opener you have to rummage through endless boxes just when you think the stress of the move is over. Of course this is just a hypothetical situation but think how annoying it would be! Leave yourself plenty of time to pack so you can organize all of your belongings logically. Go to your local supermarket and ask if you can take some of their used boxes. Then take your time to split your belongings into categories, e.g. electrical, kitchen, fragile; and then mark the boxes. It may take you longer to pack now but it will save you hours when you arrive at your new home.

1. Don't gamble with your health

Search for health information available about your country of destination, via the Internet you will find the latest information for travelers, with health information on specific destinations. Check for hospitals and how healthcare is structured in your new country.
It is very important to take out an international health insurance able to cover you and your family in any case (even in short term missions of several days). Don't forget vaccination requirements for travelers of all ages. Some vaccines must be given several weeks before leave, ask your GP to schedule this. Ask your GP, dentist, ophthalmologist and any other specialists to renew all your prescriptions so that you can continue your treatment abroad. Do not forget to ask for your medical files.

Moving Checklist

There are so many things to think about when moving! Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.

8 Weeks Before Moving

·  Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
·  Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
·  Budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates.
·  Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online chambers-of-commerce and community guides. Also check out "Places Rated Almanac" by Rand McNally at your local Library
·  If you will be needing temporary housing, or interim lodging or furnished apartment with a kitchen begin your search at this time.  Not all extended stay facilities offer the same amenities and the prices vary considerably.
Read up on moving tips and topics at our web site.

7 Weeks Before Moving

·  Start pulling together medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city.
·  Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare.
·  Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
·  Contact health clubs or other organizations you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.

6 Weeks Before Moving

·  Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you.
·  Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that need to be notified of your move.
·  Start working your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what to get rid of. Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities.
·  Plan to use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners.

• Refine your search for your temporary housing or extended stay hotel if needed.

5 Weeks Before Moving

·  Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies.
·  Start pinpointing a "drop date" for your ABF trailer. This will be the day you receive your trailer and have it left for loading. Try to take advantage of the lower rates offered Tuesdays through Thursdays and during the first three weeks of the month.
·  Plan ahead for parking. Remember you'll be receiving a 28-foot commercial trailer and will need space for up to 2 business days. Contact your property manager or local authorities to ensure you will be complying with any rules or restrictions.
·  Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online chambers-of-commerce and community guides.

4 Weeks Before Moving

·  Reserve your trailer. This can be done as late as one week before your move, but can go more smoothly with an earlier notice. If you will need a ramp or other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental yard.
·  File a change of address. If you don't know what your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city.
·  Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. Plan on keeping current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
·  Call your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription.

• Make your reservation for your temporary housing, motel alternative, extended stay hotel or corporate housing.

3 Weeks Before Moving

·  Make sure all library books have been returned and that all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up.
·  Start packing items you don't use often. Also start disposing of the items you've designated for a yard sale, donation or the junkyard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
·  Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Remember plants cannot be loaded with your other household goods.
·  Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
·  Have your automobile(s) serviced.

2 Weeks Before Moving

·  Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.
·  Confirm travel arrangements.
·  Confirm parking for your trailer.

1 Week Before Moving

·  Finish packing and prepare an "essentials" box. Designate several boxes and items as "last load" items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
·  Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well.
·  Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day. Prepare all appliances for loading.
·  One or two business days before your move, contact your local ABF terminal to confirm a time to receive your trailer.

• Confirm your reservation for your temporary housing, motel alternative, extended stay hotel or corporate housing, giving the facility your date and  time of arrival.

Moving Out

·  Make a point to be present when ABF delivers your trailer. Show the driver where you want the trailer parked and sign for delivery. If you are unable to do this, work closely with a friend or representative to have the trailer received.
·  Inspect your trailer for cleanliness and leaks before signing for delivery.
·  Measure your space on the trailer, so you know where your boundary is. If you need more or less space, you can take it and simply adjust your base rate by your "per foot" charge.
·  You are ultimately responsible for how your goods are packed and loaded in your trailer. Be familiar with your shipper's policy or personally supervise hired labor.
·  Load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving "last load" items for the rear of your shipment. This might include your vacuum cleaner or bed sheets.
·  Check every room, closet and cabinet one last time before deciding everything is loaded.
·  Once your goods are loaded, install the bulkhead (portioning off your goods from others.
·  You should have received a copy of your "Bill of Lading" or BOL, when you received your trailer. Look this document over carefully and contact your moving coordinator with any questions or concerns.
·  Make sure the destination address and contact information on your BOL is correct and write in the number of feet taken by your shipment. This is very important, as an accurate BOL ensures an accurate rate.
·  Call the local ABF terminal when your trailer is ready to be picked up.
·  When ABF picks up your trailer verify the footage with the driver and sign the BOL.
·  The day after your trailer is picked up call your local terminal to verify charges and to get your "pro" or tracking number. You can use this number to track your shipment around the clock, by calling 1-800-FOR-ABFS.
·  Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.
·  Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans and "whereabouts" in case of an emergency or unforeseen event.

Moving In

·  You are likely to arrive at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take this time to look things over and to ensure your new utilities have been connected.
·  Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
·  Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
·  Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed.
·  Keep track of your shipment and work with the local terminal to schedule delivery of your trailer. Plan ahead for parking.
·  As at origin, make a point to be present when ABF delivers your trailer. Show the driver where you want the trailer parked and sign for delivery. If you are unable to do this, work closely with a friend or representative to accept your shipment.
·  Unless you are paying by credit card, have a cashier's check or money order ready for the driver.
·  After your goods are unloaded, contact your local terminal to have your trailer taken away. Be sure to remove all debris, leaving only the bulkhead in the trailer.

After the Move

·  Keep all receipts and documentation in your move file and store the file in a safe place. Be sure to include your Bill of Lading and delivery receipt. You'll be glad to have everything in one place at tax time.
·  Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile.
·  Register to vote.
·  Contact the local paper for a new subscription.

What is included in the cost?

All Stratford Suites are completely furnished and appointed including cable, local phone, Voice mail, high-speed Internet access, remote controlled A/C, heat, free laundry facilities and of course, water and garbage services.   The property is meticulously maintained and secure.

How do I make reservations?

The easiest way is to call our 800 numbers or email for information or reservation. Information

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Mission Statement

Stratford Suites mission is to treat every guest with respect and dignity while providing the best lodging value in the region. In fact, we Guarantee it.

P.S. We only hire nice people!